Lots of ways to wear a scarf

With the cold weather months upon us, it is always nice to get out all my scarfs. I typically wear them one way (#1 below), however while leaving a holiday party a few weeks ago. The hosts wife asked me if I heard about the "pretzel?" I had never heard of it, so she took my scarf and gave me a demonstration (#5 -fashion knot below). It is so easy and adds a little extra style. I placed on the demonstration to everyone wearing a scarf that I came across the next day. I was as equally happy when I came across this list of 12 ways to wear a scarf (above) and 6 ways to tie a scarf (below). So happy to have found this :)

Holiday Crafting

As the holidays draw closer, I needed to finish up some craft projects that I had started and not finished. Got them all finished last night and handed them out today.

Santarcy/Santacon occupy's Seattle

This past Saturday, Santa's took to the streets and local establishments for some holiday fun. Every year across the country and world, people gather dressed as Santa. This was my second year so I knew what to expect. Below was the pre-plan:

The Plan: 11:30 - 12-30 Eric's place Pizza and BYOB.
Leaving Eric's place at 12:30 and going to Republic
Leaving Republic at 1pm and going to Brave Horse
Leaving Brave Horse at 1:30 and walking to Santa at the 5point area.

From the North Meeting Point:
12:00 - 12:30pm Gather
12:45-2:00pm Sport Bar, Zeek Pizza, 5-Point
2:00-3:15pm Spitfire & Two Bells Tavern
3:15-3:25pm Gather at 5th & Lenora Parking Lot

Both Groups Together:
4:00-5:00 Noc-Noc, Nite Lite, Blarney Stone
500-6:00 Santa Occupies Westlake!
6:00-7:30 Game Works, Elephant & Castle, Rock Bottom

8:00-11:00pm Capitol Assault! First check out the Baltic Room, them move on to any one of these fine establishments: R Place, Lindas, Bills Off Broadway, The Comet, The Redwood, Barca Lounge, Purr, The Unicorn, Elysian, The Cuff
11:00pm-The End: Neighbors!!!!



At Eric's place, before heading to the first bar (Brave Horse-we were already behind schedule)



On the walk to Brave Horse, we came upon this pig, Alice and Chuck couldn't resist



Alison could only drink from the side



Chris (aka Hip Hop Santa-last year) rocking his speakers



Look we even met Ralphie!

Elephant and Castle was packed with Santa's inside and out. Felt a little bad for the patrons having something to eat before going to see Cinderella at the 5th Ave. But many of them were taking photos, so I think they enjoyed the pre-show.

From the pictures above, we did make it Elephant and Castle, but not many others and I wasn't one of the folks at Neighbors. I was back at the hotel and in bed at about 9pm...same as last year!

Holiday Fragrance and Decor

Last week I went over to another building for a few minutes and as soon as I walked in the doors, the receptionist was asking my name. She had told me that I had flowers delivered and the receptionist in my building would hold them until I got back. When I got back, these were waiting.

What a cute vase!

Later in the week, I took a co-worker to the airport and I received this. When I brought it home, it hadn't even started to bloom.

Both add some fragrance and color!

Chocolate Molding Class

Sunday was a day of using deals that I had purchased. Went to Dawn's Candy and Cake in Bothell for a chocolate molding class. We each picked out a mold and started decorating or just filling it with chocolate. They had every kind and color you could imagine.



We all got a lb of chocolate and this is what I made. Oh and yes, those are present boxes in the corner



Caety made an AMAZING tree. Can you believe that is chocolate? Looks to good to eat!

This is what the table looked like after we had been working for a little bit

Sushi Making and Sake Tasting

A month or two ago, I purchased a living social adventure for a sushi making and sake tasting at a local Japanese restaurant in Fremont Chiso. We made five different rolls and tasted three kinds of sake. The first roll was an Uramaki inside-out roll (rice on outside) and I loved it!!

I really liked the last sake we tasted!

Below are the steps for the Futomaki:

Delicious! But it did have a little bit of heat to it

Now some hand form sushi

Visit to AZ to visit little Miss Piper

Last week I had the opportunity to fly down to Arizona and visit Kelsey, Tyler and Piper. We had lots going on, the week just flew by. I am so happy that I could spend some time with Piper and experience her at this age.



Look at those cute PJs!

Having some play time on her mat, look at that smile!

Bath time (my phone flashes a few times, so I think it scared her a little)

Happy Halloween (missing her glitter tutu-the glitter got everywhere)

What a cutie!

Loves getting her fingers in her mouth...teething is around the corner

Piper doing her "So Big"

I already miss you little one...can't wait to see and hear what stages you get to soon.

The Zebra has a new home!

Hip Hip Hooray, the bright pink Zebra has found a new home and they like it!

I received the below email and photo earlier:

The above picture is the Zebra painting hanging in a little girl's room (what I had envisioned from the beginning :) )

Hot Air Balloons

Just the other night, I was on my way home and I saw some hot air balloons. The sun was setting and I couldn't resist taking some photos.

White Vase

For quite a while, I was in search of a white vase for my table. I came across this one while on a shopping journey to TJ Maxx at the landings.

Later I determined that it was a little to large for my table, but lucky for me, I saw another one that was going to work perfectly in a mailer from IKEA.

Seattle Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon

Back on June 25th (it has been a while since I have posted anything) Penny, Sarah and I completed the Seattle Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon. Sarah ran, finishing under 2 hours, while Penny and I walked, finishing at 4 hours and 41 minutes.

It was a great challenge and an amazing feeling when we crossed the finish line.

Painting and Wine

A while back, a new local business: Palettes and Pairings opened, so of course they offered a living social deal. A few of us purchased and decided it would be a fun "Girls Night Out". When you register on the site, each date has a different theme. While painting you can enjoy a glass of wine and some snacks.

Our theme was Zebras, so I decided to give mine a "little" personality.

A few weeks later (mid-July), I hosted Bunko and was in need of a gag gift that was around my house. You aren't supposed to spend money on this gift, so it needs to be something that you already have. Perfect for the bright pink Zebra painting, that I had no idea what I was going to do with...doesn't match my decor. :) When the painting was opened, I heard stories of where the Zebra might end up. I am sure that it will be given as another gag gift again in the future, if it hasn't already been or if it isn't sitting roadside in the waste bin.

www.palettesandpairings.com

Groupon Deal: M's Game

A while back, I purchased a deal from Groupon: suite tickets and parking for an upcoming Seattle Mariners Game. The deal was reasonably priced, however there was only a handful of games to choose from. The deal included tickets, parking and a $10 food voucher (per ticket) while at the game (which we all know isn't very much). The seats were leather and reclined and the view was good.


View of the field from the suite


Inside the Suite

US of Tara

This week's episode of "The United States of Tara" included one of Tara's professors enjoying a Four Loko beverage in his office. I couldn't help myself, so I pressed pause and took the above photo.

New Adult Children's Book

"Go the F*@K to Sleep", by Adam Mansbach

This book is for adults, with a children's book theme. Adam decided to write this book, after having a hard time getting his two year old daughter to sleep. My experience as a nanny, makes me completely understand the reasoning behind this book. You are trying to put a child to bed, however they keep asking for one more book or have you keep reading the same book over and over.

I am thinking this might be a great gift for expecting parents....you know who you are!

Free Coffee Day!!!!

Friday, April 22nd is Good Friday, Earth Day and Free Coffee Day!

Grab your mug and head to your local Starbucks for your favorite brewed coffee drink or tea.